Bears Brought Down by URI, 61-55

Nov 23, 2007

Despite having a lead with just four minutes remaining in the game, the Brown women's basketball team (0-5) dropped a 61-55 decision to the University of Rhode Island Rams in its first game of the URI Invitational this afternoon. Jaclyn Goldbarg (El Cajon, CA) led the team in scoring with 15 points, followed by freshman Sadiea Williams (Lunenburg, MA) with 10.

With a 31-28 advantage over URI at the end of the first 20 minutes of play, it's the first time this season that Brown has had a lead at the half. Despite falling behind 12-6 in the first five minutes of the game, the Bears quickly clawed their way back with outstanding team play.

Although the Bears have struggled from the free throw line in previous games, they were right on today, going 8-10 in the first 20 minutes. That, and Goldbarg's eight points, including two treys, put the Bears back in the hunt as they took a 13-12 lead with 13:25 remaining. The Bears out-rebounded URI 19-18 for the half, and shot 37.5 from the field.

In the second half, Brown kept up the half-court defensive pressure on the Rams, as URI couldn't seem to crack the stingy 2-3 defense. URI quickly fell behind 42-33 with 12:43 remaining in the game.

Sophomore Christina Johnson (Oakland, CA) started Brown's attack with two quick lay-ups, followed by a Goldbarg jumper and then a long three by freshman Karly Grace (Camp Hill, PA) to give Brown its nine-point lead.

Junior forward Amy Ehrhart (Golden, CO) put in two nice jumpers midway through the half, but URI turned up the defensive pressure and picked up the Bears full-court. A few costly turnovers by Brown that the Rams converted into points, followed by a three pointer by URI's Megan Shoniker, put the Rams back on top with a 45-44 lead.

With the game tied at 46 with four minutes left on the clock, URI's Amanda McGrew nailed a three. Brown answered back with a jumper by Ehrhart, but the Rams forced Brown into a few more turnovers and dominated the offensive boards (22-7). With 1:41 remaining, the Rams increased its lead to 55-48.

Freshman Sarah Delk (Atlanta, GA) cut the deficit to five with a lay-up, and a three-pointer by Goldbarg put the Bears within four with 59 seconds remaining. Brown put on full-court pressure and picked up a steal, but couldn't find the rim.

Brown was forced to foul in the last 30 seconds of play, as URI's Safi Mojidi sank five free throws, making it 61-55 to end the game.

The Bears were out-rebounded 46-35, and also tallied 27 turnovers for the game. Goldbarg led the team in scoring with 15 points, while Williams chipped in with 10. Senior Annesley O'Neal (Franklin, GA) had a team-high nine rebounds, and added seven points. Leading the Rams was McGrew with 15 points, followed by Sierra Cooper with 12.

The Bears will take on American University at 12:00 p.m. tomorrow in the consolation game at URI.